WE NEED ANSWERS: Is Clarkson Suiting Up For Gilas Or Not?

A day after he was seen practicing with Gilas Pilipinas, conflicting statements have surfaced on whether Fil-Am Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson will don the country's colors in international competitions soon.

In an email to the Philippine Star earlier today, Clarkson's dad, Mike Clarkson, indicated that his son will not be reinforcing our national team due to time constraint:

"As you know in professional sports, timing is of the essence especially when managing a player's career. Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse as he prepares for rigors of the upcoming 2015-2016 NBA season and heightened performance expectations."

With the 2015-2016 NBA season opening exactly two months from now, one could understand why the older Clarkson is looking out for his son, who will risk getting injured or fatigued if ever he competes in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship (September 23 to October 3). And take note, the 2015-2016 NBA season kicks off on October 27.

In 59 games with the Lakers last season, the 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft posted averages of 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists and was named to the All-Rookie First Team. People are naturally expecting more from JC after a fairly notable year.

On the other hand, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) released on its Facebook page later in the afternoon the official statement of the 23-year-old himself.

As reiterated by the SBP, the federation is still "in the process of seeking formal approval of his (Clarkson's) eligibility," so the Laker guard playing for the country is still a long shot, whether he is willing or not.